Court to review Delhi Government’s digital healthcare platforms, raises concern over non-functional medical equipment at Delhi State Cancer Institute
The Delhi High Court has directed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to present a live demonstration of its newly implemented NextGen e-Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) and the Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi mobile application as part of its continuing oversight of public healthcare services in the national capital.
The Court also expressed serious concern over reports that expensive medical equipment at the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) remains unused due to a shortage of trained personnel, resulting in delays in patient treatment.
High Court Monitoring Public Healthcare Reforms
A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora was hearing a batch of public interest litigations concerning the functioning of Delhi’s government healthcare system.
During the hearing, the Delhi Government placed a status affidavit before the Court stating that the NextGen e-Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) has been successfully implemented in 38 government hospitals across Delhi.
According to the affidavit, the digital platform integrates multiple hospital functions to improve patient care, hospital administration and overall healthcare delivery through a unified digital ecosystem.
HMIS Features 14 Integrated Hospital Modules
The Delhi Government informed the Court that the HMIS currently operates through 14 integrated modules, including:
- Out-Patient Department (OPD)
- In-Patient Department (IPD)
- Medical Records Department (MRD)
- Laboratory Information System (LIS)
- Radiology Information System (RIS)
- Online Registration System (ORS)
- Other digital hospital management modules
These components are intended to facilitate end-to-end digital management of hospital services and improve operational efficiency across government healthcare facilities.
Court Seeks Live Demonstration of Digital Platforms
To evaluate the effectiveness of the newly introduced digital systems, the High Court directed the Delhi Government to organise a live demonstration of both the NextGen HMIS and the Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi mobile application during the next hearing.
The Court further instructed that at least two competent officials from any of the 38 hospitals where the HMIS has been implemented should participate virtually in the proceedings to explain the functioning of the system and highlight any operational challenges encountered during implementation.
ICU Beds Saarthi App Undergoing Upgradation
The Bench was informed that real-time information regarding the availability of emergency ICU beds in Delhi government hospitals is currently accessible through the Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi mobile application, available on the Google Play Store.
However, government counsel submitted that the application is presently undergoing further upgrades to improve its functionality and user experience.
Court Raises Concern Over Unused Cancer Hospital Equipment
Apart from reviewing digital healthcare infrastructure, the High Court also took serious note of submissions made by the Amicus Curiae regarding the functioning of the Delhi State Cancer Institute.
According to the report, several costly medical machines at the institute remain either non-functional or unused, leading to prolonged delays in patient care.
The report suggested that the primary reason for the underutilisation of the equipment is the shortage of adequately trained personnel capable of operating the specialised medical devices.
Senior Officials Directed to Respond
Observing that the issue required urgent attention, the Bench directed counsel representing the Delhi Government to examine the concerns raised by the Amicus Curiae and submit a detailed response at the next hearing.
The Court also ordered that a senior administrative official from the Delhi State Cancer Institute remain personally present during the next hearing to assist the Court and explain the steps being taken to address the reported deficiencies.
Ambedkar Nagar Hospital Grievances Also Considered
The Bench also dealt with an application filed by Sourav Gupta, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, who raised concerns regarding the functioning of Ambedkar Nagar Hospital.
The Court directed that the issues highlighted by the applicant be forwarded to the Amicus Curiae for consideration during the ongoing proceedings before disposing of the application.
Matter Listed for Further Hearing
The case has been listed for further hearing on July 3, 2026.
During the next hearing, the Delhi High Court will review the live demonstration of the NextGen HMIS and Delhi ICU Beds Saarthi platforms, assess their implementation across government hospitals and examine the Delhi Government’s response regarding the non-utilisation of medical equipment at the Delhi State Cancer Institute.
